Redwhisker clammyweed facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Redwhisker clammyweed |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Polanisia
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| Species: |
dodecandra
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The Polanisia dodecandra is a type of flowering plant. It is often called redwhisker clammyweed or just clammyweed. This plant is usually an annual, meaning it lives for only one year. Sometimes, it can be a perennial plant, living for more than two years.
This plant is native to North America. You can find it in many parts of Canada and the United States. It likes sunny spots and soil that is sandy or gravelly. It can even grow in places where the ground has been disturbed. It looks a bit like its close relative, the spider flower (Cleome).
The scientific name Polanisia comes from Greek words. Polys means "many" and anisos means "unequal." This describes the plant's many stamens, which are not all the same length. The name dodecandra means "having 12 stamens." The common name "clammyweed" comes from how sticky the plant feels. It leaves a "clammy" feeling on your hands if you touch it.
What Does Redwhisker Clammyweed Look Like?
Redwhisker clammyweed plants grow about 30 to 91 cm (1 to 3 ft) tall. The plant and its sap have a strong smell. Some people describe it as unpleasant or like sulfur.
Its leaves are about 5.1 cm (2 in) long. Each leaf has three smaller leaflets that spread out like fingers. The stems are covered in tiny, sticky hairs called glandular hairs.
Flowers and Seedpods
Many flowers grow in clusters at the top of the stems. They bloom from May to October. Each flower has four white or cream-colored petals. These petals are about 2.5 cm (1 in) long.
The plant has reddish-purple stamens. These stamens stick out far beyond the petals. This is why it's called "red whisker" clammyweed. After the flowers, the plant grows long, thin seedpods. These pods are about 2.5–5.1 cm (1–2 in) long. They hold many small, reddish-brown seeds, each about 2 mm (0.079 in) big. Unlike its relative Cleome, the seedpods of Polanisia point upwards.
Different Kinds of Clammyweed
There are a few different types, or subspecies, of Polanisia dodecandra. They are:
- Polanisia dodecandra subsp. dodecandra – This is the regular redwhisker clammyweed.
- P. dodecandra subsp. riograndensis – This type is called Rio Grande clammyweed. It is only found in Texas.
- P. dodecandra subsp. trachysperma – This one is known as sandyseed clammyweed.
